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Back in January, I presented a video tutorial introducing the Structural Mechanics Module here on the blog. The video described the steps necessary to perform a static linear analysis on a bracket geometry. Now, to help you better understand the extra functionalities that exist within COMSOL Multiphysics and the Structural Mechanics Module, we are also creating additional tutorial videos of this bracket. The first two “mini-tutorials” to accompany the static linear analysis video focus on adding initial strain and thermal stress, and you can watch them here.

Including Initial Strain in a Structural Mechanics Model

In real-life situations the conditions are rarely perfect and certain measures need to be taken to account for varying circumstances. One of these unforeseen circumstances is a strain in the geometry, before an outside force is applied. For this example, an initial strain is added, simulating a reduction in pin length from 216 mm to 215 mm. The resulting von Mises stresses are calculated, and the initial strain in the x-direction can be seen.

Modeling Thermal Expansion in a Structural Mechanics Model

Heat transfer is another circumstance that can affect a structural model. That is why the Structural Mechanics Module includes a Thermal Stress interface to model structural interactions resulting from heat transfer. The interface contains all the options that exist in the Solid Mechanics and Heat Transfer interfaces. In this video, the bracket arm holes are heated to 100 degrees Celsius, as if it was holding a structure at this temperature, and the resulting structural deformations are calculated and shown.

Structural Mechanics Tutorial Video Series

With both of these examples, the boundary load from the original static linear analysis is disregarded for simplicity. However, these two tutorials are paired together because they are not replacement models to the static linear analysis, but they can be added to the static linear analysis. You can start with a static linear analysis and then add either initial strain or thermal stress, or you could add both. We gave you the means, now it’s up to you to put all the pieces together.

Here’s a sneak peek at upcoming mini-tutorial videos in this series:

Adding a Rigid Connector

Adding Spring Conditions

Modeling with the Shell Physics Interface

Transient Analysis

Eigenfrequency Analysis

Prestressed Eigenfrequency Analysis

Frequency Response Analysis

Prestressed Frequency Response Analysis

A Geometric Non-linear Problem: Linear Buckling Modeling

Material Non-linearity: Elasto-plastic Material

Modeling Contact Problems

We will continue to create structural mechanics videos over the next few weeks, but in the meantime you can find the complete model documentation for all of the analyses at www.comsol.com/bracket.